Mouse pad accessory

ABSTRACT

An accessory for use with a computer mouse, including a base which defines an area to be utilized for the mouse and a utilitarian assembly overlying the defined area for supporting a beverage container or other accessories as desired by the mouse user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to accessories for use with computers, and more particularly, to accessories for use with a computer mouse, including a device used in conjunction with a mouse operating area, a storage device usually located in the space above the mouse operating area, without restricting the use of the mouse, space that is normally not utilized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It would appear from the observation of many desks that the improved technology of computers, while solving a number of problems, has in and of itself created new problems. For example, desk space has become at a premium; what was previously occupied by other support materials is now occupied by computer monitors, keyboards and the mouse. Since the majority of the “mice” in use today include a rubber ball on the bottom of the mouse housing, these mice also require additional space on the desktop. Previous efforts to combine or better utilize space occupied by the keyboard and/or the mouse operating area include:

[0003] U.S. Design Pat. No. 374,868, granted to Craft, Oct. 22, 1996, which utilizes the space over the keyboard for the mouse and mouse operating area.

[0004] U.S. Design Pat. No. 400,924, granted to Cornell et al, Nov. 10, 1998, discloses an ornamental mouse operating area accessory holder.

[0005] U.S. Design Pat. No. 411,192, granted to Wu, Jun. 22, 1999, discloses a mouse operating area and mouse container.

[0006] U.S. Design Pat. No. 453,164, granted to Bach, Jan. 22, 2002, discloses a combination mouse operating area and beverage holder.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,697, granted to Fletcher et al, Jul. 9, 1996 discloses a mouse operating area with a beverage holder.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,637, granted to Schriner, Aug. 6, 1996, discloses a mouse operating area with a storage compartment.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,815, granted to Murphy, Dec. 2, 1997, discloses a mouse operating area and item holder.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,267, granted to Mori, Dec. 11, 2001, discloses an arm support and operating area for a mouse, using same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is a feature of the present invention to provide a device which provides a location or definition for a mouse operating area and/or holder, while at the same time providing storage in the space vertically above the mouse operating area itself.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a device defining a location for a mouse pad and/or operating area, while providing at least a place to support a beverage container above the mouse operating area.

[0013] Still a further feature of the present invention is to provide a device which defines the location for mouse pad and/or operating area while providing support for a beverage container and storage for other devices in the space vertically above the mouse operating area, allowing access and no interference to the utilization of the mouse operating area, while yet providing the storage space in a heretofore unused location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the inventive mouse operating area accessory.

[0015]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the mouse operating area accessory, including a detachable wrist support.

[0016]FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the accessory of FIG. 2, with the wrist support attached.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a planar view of the mouse operating area accessory of FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0018]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the inventive mouse operating area accessory.

[0019]FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric of the accessory of FIG. 5 with additional storage.

[0020]FIGS. 7 and 8 are isometric views of yet another embodiment of the inventive mouse operating area accessory.

[0021]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the inventive mouse accessory showing a cup holder and tray that can be adjusted to remain level on a tilted keyboard and mouse tray or when the mouse operating area is tilted.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] As seen in FIG. 1, the basic concept of the current invention includes a rectangular configuration of frame 2 for resting on the desk and surrounding a mouse pad or defining a mouse operating area. At one corner of rectangular frame 2 is an upstanding post 4 having secured thereto a rigid cup holder 6, which may include an insulated liner 8.

[0023] As seen in FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment includes a rigid rectangular base 10 with a raised corner 12 supporting a cup holder 6 having a removable insulated liner 8. Also seen in this view is a wrist rest 14 which is removably attached to base 10 by Velcro® or some other similar easily used fastening means.

[0024] The accessory of FIG. 2 is likewise shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the same numbers are used.

[0025] As seen in FIG. 4, a slightly raised corner 18 can also be provided to hold a mouse pad in a secure position.

[0026] Reference is now had to FIGS. 5 and 6 to include a rigid base 10, removable wrist support 14 and include in addition to the cup holder 6 additional pedestal means 20, 22 to support tray 24 for eyeglasses, pencils and also heavier objects such as calculators, small digital cameras, cell phones, handheld organizers, etc. and the like and a smaller opposing tray 26 for other small objects.

[0027]FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another embodiment, wherein the wire legs 30, 32 support a tray 34 and cup holder 36, while defining a space for the mouse operating area. It is to be noted that leg 32 also supports a smaller tray 38, which may be used for writing instruments or eyeglasses.

[0028] As seen in FIG. 9, the inventive device includes a flat rectangular base 40 to which a wrist rest 42 is removably attached. The base 40 is supported by pivotably mounted support members 44 which can place the base 40 at an angle for comfort. Extending upwardly from base 40 are a pair of rigid parallel ears 46 to which are pivotably attached a pair of parallel depending ears 48 which allow angular adjustment to tray 50, cup holder 52 and insulative insert 54.

[0029] Thus, as can be seen, the present invention utilizes the normally unused space above a mouse operating area to provide proximate easy access for materials normally used in conjunction with a computer. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool to be used in conjunction with a computer, comprising: a structure defining a location for a mouse pad or mouse operating area; and a rigid tower extending upwardly, terminating in an upwardly open cup holder.
 2. A tool as in claim 1, and further including means to support eyeglasses.
 3. A tool as in claim 1, and further including a tray.
 4. A mouse operating area accessory, comprising: a first structure defining a location for a mouse pad or operating area; and a second structure rigidly secured to the first structure and extending upwardly therefrom, said structure defining a beverage holder, wherein said second structure extends over the mouse operating area.
 5. An accessory for a computer mouse, comprising: a base, including at least two rigid horizontal legs at right angles to define the location for a mouse operating area; and a tower extending upwardly from the intersection of the legs, said tower supporting a platform.
 6. An accessory as in claim 5, wherein the platform is a beverage holder.
 7. An accessory as in claim 5, wherein the platform extends over at least one leg, forming a tray.
 8. An accessory for a computer mouse, comprising: a base defining a mouse operating area that can be adjusted to tilt to align the operator's wrist for comfort, and supports extending upward therefrom, defining a beverage holder and tray that include angular adjustment for keeping the beverage holder and tray level if the base is tilted or the accessory is used on a tilted keyboard and mouse tray. 